Intensive Summer Programs in Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture Offered at New York Studio School
Unlocking Artistic Potential: Inside the New York Studio School’s Summer Marathon Experience
“You should do it,” a friend urged, prompting Giles Goodhead to arrive on West 8th Street, sculpting apron in hand, nerves buzzing. With only a small seated figure in his artistic history, this was his first attempt at a life-size sculpture—and the start of an unforgettable journey. Moments like this are typical for artists attending the New York Studio School’s renowned Marathon program, where exploration, intensive work, and creative breakthroughs occur daily.
Founded on the belief that deep immersion and hands-on creation form the bedrock of artistic growth, the New York Studio School (NYSS) developed the Marathon program as a transformative two-week experience. These sessions take place year-round but are particularly popular during the summer, when painters, sculptors, and draftsmen converge in the heart of Greenwich Village to challenge their practices and ignite new ideas.
What Is the NYSS Marathon?
The Marathon is a rigorous full-day studio program that runs from 9am to 6pm over a two-week period. The schedule alone is a physical and mental stretch for many participants—demanding focus, stamina, and artistic vulnerability. But this intensity is exactly the point.
Led by NYSS faculty and guest artists—many of whom are nationally and internationally recognized—the Marathons allow students to work under the tutelage of professional mentors for the duration of the session. Recent visiting instructors have included names like sculptor Brandt Junceau and painters such as Clintel Steed and Rachel Rickert, who bring fresh perspectives from the contemporary art world directly into the studio.
The Impact of Immersion
From day one, students are asked to leave behind comfort zones and preconceptions. Whether undertaking a Sculpture Marathon in clay or participating in a Drawing Marathon with Linda Darling, artists are encouraged to tackle core challenges head-on. The process is as much about form and composition as it is about seeing the world—and oneself—with renewed clarity.
“The Marathon was unlike any experience I’ve had and not something I will soon forget,” said Kareem Johnson, a 2024 Summer participant. “It was important for my progress and validation as an artist. I leveled up.”
Many participants echo this sentiment. Some travel across the country or take vacation from full-time jobs to attend. The reward is measured in growth—emerging with new confidence, direction, or technical skill that redefines their practice.
A Supportive and Dynamic Community
Despite the intensity, or perhaps because of it, the program fosters a unique camaraderie among students. Participants—ranging from seasoned artists to early-career creatives—are united by their willingness to be vulnerable, push boundaries, and absorb critical feedback.
Each day concludes with individual or group critiques, creating an atmosphere that’s intellectually stimulating and deeply collaborative. Instructors engage students in deep discussions, helping them articulate intentions, reevaluate technique, and question the fundamental ‘why’ behind their work.
Beyond the Studio
Located just steps from Washington Square Park, the School’s setting further enriches the Marathon experience. The city’s vibrant energy, neighboring art institutions, and cultural history add a layer of inspiration and discovery. For many artists, stepping out into the park after a long morning of sculpting or drawing only deepens the feeling of belonging to a broader creative tradition.
Giles Goodhead recalled how, halfway through his sculpture Marathon, he sat in Washington Square Park surrounded by chess players and musicians and quietly claimed a new identity—as a “secret sculptor.”
Accessible and Inclusive Opportunities
The New York Studio School invites students at all levels to explore the Marathon program. Whether you’re a professional artist seeking renewal or a beginner driven by curiosity, the School ensures the Marathons remain welcoming and educationally rich.
In addition to Marathons, NYSS offers accredited full-time MFA and Certificate programs, Evening & Weekend Classes, public lectures, and rotating exhibitions—all offered in service of their core philosophy: Drawing and making are central to understanding the visual world.
Explore Your Artistic Breakthrough
Now more than ever, artists are seeking immersive experiences that strip away distractions and ignite authentic creativity. The NYSS Marathon program reignites that urgency and commitment in artists of all stripes. The experience stays with you—something demanding, liberating, and, yes, unforgettable.
Interested in joining a future Marathon? Learn more on the official website at nyss.org or schedule a personal tour by contacting Daniel De Boulay, Admissions Officer, at [email protected].
Your artistic breakthrough might be waiting on West 8th Street apron in hand, butterflies in your stomach—and a creative leap that changes everything.